Director, Benefits

Choice Hotels • North Bethesda, MD

90d • $160,546 - $188,641

About The Position

The Director, Benefits is a strategic leader responsible for the design, implementation, and management of comprehensive benefits programs that support the health, financial security, and overall wellbeing of employees. Reporting to the Vice President, Total Rewards, this role sets the vision for benefits strategy, ensures competitive and cost-effective offerings, and leads a high-performing team to deliver an exceptional employee experience. The Director partners cross-functionally to align benefits with organizational goals, manages vendor relationships, and provides financial oversight to maximize value and impact. This position is a key member of the HR Leadership Team, shaping the future of Total Rewards at Choice Hotels.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience in benefits management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in strategy development, vendor management, financial oversight, and wellbeing program delivery in a complex, multi-site organization.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. benefits regulations, plan design, and administration.
• Proficiency with HRIS, benefits administration platforms, and data analytics tools.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large budgets.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CEBS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP) strongly preferred.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Exceptional leadership, team development, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking benefits strategy aligned with organizational objectives and Total Rewards philosophy.
• Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership on benefits, wellbeing, and employee experience.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Benefits team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Champion initiatives that enhance employee engagement, retention, and organizational culture.
• Oversee relationships with external benefits vendors, brokers, and consultants to ensure optimal service delivery, cost-effectiveness, and compliance.
• Negotiate contracts, manage RFPs, and evaluate vendor performance using data-driven metrics.
• Ensure all programs meet regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Provide financial oversight for all benefits programs, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis.
• Monitor benefits spend, identify opportunities for savings, and ensure strong controls for liabilities.
• Partner with Finance to align benefits strategy with organizational financial goals.
• Design and implement innovative wellbeing programs (physical, mental, financial) that address the diverse needs of employees.
• Regularly assess program utilization, satisfaction, and impact; adjust offerings for continuous improvement.
• Promote a holistic approach to employee wellbeing, integrating benefits with broader Total Rewards and talent strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of benefits professionals, setting clear goals and expectations.
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.
• Drive professional development and succession planning within the team.
• Ensure all benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Communicate benefits options and changes clearly and effectively to employees and stakeholders.
• Stay current on industry trends, legislative changes, and best practices; proactively recommend enhancements.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance.
• Financial benefits for retirement and health savings.
• Employee recognition programs.
• Discounts at Choice hotels worldwide.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Accommodation
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree